Sucralfate

General Description : Sucralfate is an oral anti-ulcer drug used in dogs and cats to coat ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract to protect them from stomach acid and allow them to heal. Sucralfate is helpful in many conditions associated with stomach ulcers (ex. poison ingestion, kidney or liver failure, cancer and megaesophagus). Sucralfate is available as an oral liquid or as tablets.

What is this drug?

Sucralfate is an anti-ulcer drug; a sucrose aluminum hydroxide compound
Sucralfate is given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:

Used to coat ulcers in the mouth, stomach, upper small intestine and esophagus. It protects the ulcer from stomach acid and helps in the healing process too.
May be used in any condition associated with stomach ulcers (ex. poison ingestion, kidney and liver failure, some cancers and megaesophagus)
Often prescribed with ulcer-causing medications (ex. aspirin, piroxicam)
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?

Contistipated animals or those known to have slow movement of food through the digestive system (ex. those with megacolon)
Use cautiously in pregnant and nursing animals
Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to sucralfate
Directions:

This medication should be given on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before a meal, or two hours after).

Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. This medication is usually givenfour times daily. This ensures continuous protection for the ulcer(s). One dose protects for 6 hours only.

Read and follow the label carefully.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy.

The length of therapy depends greatly upon the disease condition as well as the pet’s response to sucralfate.

Call ahead for refills.

Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.

What if dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:

If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:

Store sucralfate in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

Shake liquids well before using.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Potential side effects:

Constipation
With long term use, one of the ingredients (aluminum) may build up and cause the bones to weaken or have an effect on the brain
It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think you pet has a medical problem or side effect from this product’s therapy
Can this drug be given with other drugs?

Yes, but possible interactions may occur with cimetidine, digoxin, fluorquinolone antibiotics (enrofloxacin,, marbofloxacin,orbifloxacin), phenytoin and tetracycline.
The above drugs can still be used, but give the sucralfate dose 2 hours before or after the other drug(s).
Since sucralfate requires an acid environment to work, give sucralfate 30 minutes before cimetidine or an antacid.
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian

Overdosing?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.

What else should I know?

Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens (blood in the vomit or stools) despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, sucralfate should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.

This is just a summary of information about sucralfate. If you have any questions or concerns about sucralfate or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.